Many people resent being told what to do!
And… we know that the giving of advice is not always welcome.
Of course, much depends on who gives the advice!
During the period of Advent starting today, the Scripture readings often remind us about living with careful attention.
We are told to be mindful of how we live and be ready for the Lord’s coming.
Today’s gospel (Mt.24:37-44) is one of them. 
“So you also must be ready,
because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
We believe that such texts refer to the coming of the Lord at the end of time.
But what about in the meantime? The time between now and… the end?
It is to be expected that, before the end of time, there will be the end of our time – the moment of our death.
We may life to think that… this is not just yet but… we do not know.
But the best way to prepare for ‘the end’, would it not be to welcome the Lord’s coming every day?
Because he does come every day… often unnoticed, unrecognized, unattended to… but come, he does!
His presence is usually silent, discreet, yet real and personal.
It can make itself experienced in:
- The words of a book opening up new perspectives…
- A sudden inspiration to help someone in need…
- Words of encouragement received from a colleague…
- Some unexpected gift from a neighbour…
- The feeling of peace at the sight of a beautiful landscape…
- A flash of insight into who HE is…
- An impulse to start on a new way of living the gospel…
- Or, simply the unmistaken realisation that he is indeed present here and now.
Yes, he does come indeed!
Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/1er-dimanche-de-lavent-annee-a-2019/
In this period of waiting, of e x p e c t a t i o n , the words of Henri Nouwen are very appropriate.